A host of factors, developments, and dynamics have made most industries more competitive than ever. As a result so many of us wonder whether there is still such a thing as work-life balance. We reached out to the community to hear perspectives on finding the right balance.

Soyeong Emma Chang

This might not be the best answer to the question, but for me, there’s no real difference between work and life. Ever since I decided to dedicate myself to filmmaking, I’ve been in love with it. My journey has been about erasing the line between the two. Filmmaking is what I do for work, and it’s also what I do outside of it. That might sound a little boring, which I’m realizing as I write this, but it’s the truth. Read More>>

Jinsoo Lee

Rather than working on a strict daily routine, I tend to dive in and work intensively when I’m focused, then take a few full days off afterward. Especially before important exhibitions or events, I often push myself a bit harder to get everything done, and afterward, I usually need some time to fully rest. I’ve started to realize that this pattern isn’t the best for my health, so I’m trying to build a more balanced and sustainable rhythm. It’s not easy, but I do believe it’s necessary for the long run. Read More>> 

Carolyn Cardoza

When one decides to start their own business and fully invest in themselves and their art, you go from working 9-5 to working 24/7. I read this quote recently, ‘Creators don’t separate from their work, because they are their work’, and this is my life now more than ever. When I’m living my life, hanging with friends, family, or my wife I’m thinking of creating in those moments and/or creating in those moments. I bring a camera with me wherever I go, I love documenting my life and when I’m on a gig or I’m teaching/mentoring-intentionally working on photography or music, that’s living for me, it’s what brings me joy. Read More>> 

Seth Crail

The most difficult part about finding a work-life balance has been learning to let go. I moved to Los Angeles a few years ago with the same drive that most people have; I wanted to learn how to write like the musical artists I look up to. Like many, I wanted it so badly that I burnt myself out for years. I avoided sleep, said yes to everything, and spent all of my free time watching educational YouTube videos, studying scores, or desperately interrogating those already in the industry.  Read More>> 

Charles Steynberg

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is extremely important to me, but I also understand that it’s something you have to build toward intentionally. In the early stages of launching my restaurant, Toastique Sunset, my main focus had to be on putting in the time and energy required to establish a strong foundation. Now that the business is becoming more self-sufficient, I’m able to gradually create more balance in my personal and professional life. It’s a long-term goal that evolves with the growth of the business. Read More>>